Aluminum tops, cleaning/polishing

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Aluminum tops, cleaning/polishing

#1

Post by JustJoe »

Anybody have any success cleaning aluminum zip and or pull tab tops ? Kind of would like to skip the trial and error method. I know Dremal makes little polishing discs ? Any advice would be great.
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Re: Aluminum tops, cleaning/polishing

#2

Post by Scott Rollert »

The aluminum lids are different to clean up than the rest of the can. Oxalic acid can do strange things to them if left to soak too long or is too strong. I use Ex Rust for heavier rust on those lids since it works only on the rust. If there's no rust, Simple Green works really well. Polishing isn't recommended since it looks wrong. I like to use a green scotch brite pad or emory cloth to get the matte finish. The can on the far right was a paint over. The polishing compound shined up the rims, so I used a scotch brite pad to "dull" it. You can see the graining it left, but dulled it to look a little more normal.
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Re: Aluminum tops, cleaning/polishing

#3

Post by JustJoe »

[quote="Scott Rollert" Polishing isn't recommended since it looks wrong. I like to use a green scotch brite pad or emory cloth to get the matte finish.
[/quote]

I see what you mean, I started on this one . Not sure how to put the (grain) back in on the top with the ridges ? I'll have to play around with some scotch bright to see what looks right.
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Re: Aluminum tops, cleaning/polishing

#4

Post by Scott Rollert »

The scotch brite will help for sure. A good hint is to do it in one direction, not a circular motion. Start off with light pressure so as not to put scratches into the aluminum. You just want to dull the shine.
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Re: Aluminum tops, cleaning/polishing

#5

Post by willssoda »

Aluminum likes pH levels between 6.5 and 8.0 go above or below you will damage or discolor it. Also white rust or popcorn rust can form. If too alkaline.
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